Wordless Wednesday – Chasing the Sun in Northland

That was it. We’d had enough of the rain, wind and cold temperatures in Hamilton. Of a spring that failed to, er, spring. Following a historically wet winter we couldn’t handle any more dampness.

But where to go? On Labour Day, here celebrated on the fourth Monday of October, the entire country was covered in dark clouds. It was too late to book a flight to a sunny country. We decided to take our chances and head north. In Whangarei we found a dream-like accommodation that was available for two nights, so Whangarei it was!

This is pretty much how the nine days we were away went: Where do we find good accommodation? Something self-contained and toddler-friendly? We were lucky enough to find some decent options.

Two other words that pretty much sum up our holiday were waterfalls and Maria’s new photo smile. The latter still makes me giggle when I think about it.

1. Accommodation

Waking up in Whangarei

Finding paradise in Kerikeri

2. Waterfalls

Whangarei Falls

Banana break while watching Whangarei Falls

Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri

More rainbow fun

Haruru Falls, near Waitangi, which brings us to number 3:

3. Maria’s New Photo Smile

The funniest part of the holiday, Maria sporting a new smile whenever we pulled out our camera or phones!

4. Some More Holiday Shots

Whangarei’s Town Basin is a pretty surprise in the middle of town

You can’t miss the Kauri Trees when traveling in Northland.

Beautiful Kerikeri

Matauri Bay

Kerikeri’s main sight: the Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building

Kororareka Bay in the photogenic Bay of Islands

Russell, formerly called Kororareka, was New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement and sea port.